Rearview Mirror: Popular Buck’s Bake Shop left lasting taste in customers’ mouths
Many in the islands remember Frederick Buck Woo Lam, known as Freddy Buck. Besides being a sweet-bread king, he was also a champion boxer. Read more
Many in the islands remember Frederick Buck Woo Lam, known as Freddy Buck. Besides being a sweet-bread king, he was also a champion boxer. Read more
Does history repeat itself? Some of last week’s events reminded me about the 1960 presidential election in Hawaii. Read more
Last month I wrote about “Tin Can Alley and the Beretania Follies.” The Follies was a strip club mauka of Beretania Street about where the Chinatown Cultural Plaza is today. One of the dancers there was Tempest Storm. Read more
Last week I began this two-part column honoring those who have made history in the islands, researched it, preserved it or shared it. All of you have made Hawaii a better place, and for that I thank you. Read more
Merry Christmas! Every year at this time, I issue my Rearview Mirror Annual Awards for those who have made a contribution to Hawaii. Some of them made history, some researched it, some preserved it and some shared it. All have added to the richness that is our Hawaii. Here’s Part 1. I’ll conclude Jan. 1. Read more
When I look at those who have made a difference in other people’s lives, it’s usually ordinary people who have stepped up and given selflessly. Here are two of their stories this week. Read more
Every December, I look back on the year and write about the interesting things I learned writing Rearview Mirror. This week I wrap up with Part 2 of that highlights series. Read more
Every December, I review the past 12 months and write a two-part article about things I learned while researching this column. Read more
An anonymous reader asked me about longtime Honolulu Advertiser reporter Bob Krauss (1924-2006). Read more
I’ve written quite a bit about Duke Kahanamoku in the past, but only recently found out he came down with the Spanish flu and nearly died from it. And it prevented him from what he thought at the time was his life’s ambition. Read more
When I started listening to KSSK radio in the early 1970s, Hal Lewis, aka J. Akuhead Pupule, its morning deejay, was a real character. Read more
Last week I began a review of some of my favorite columns from the past nine years. In this, my 500th column in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, I’ll present the top eight. Read more
Ten years ago Business Editor David Butts asked whether I’d be interested in writing a regular feature in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. We met and discussed it, and Rearview Mirror was born in April 2011. Read more
I wrote about the Hilton Hawaiian Village earlier this year, as it celebrates 65 years in operation. It was Henry Kaiser’s first venture into the hotel business when it opened on Sept. 17, 1955. Read more
Misae Hironaka told me, “Decades ago there used to be a restaurant called Rob Roy’s in Kailua. My family and I remember it fondly as it was our favorite night-out place. Do you have any history regarding that restaurant and its owner?” Read more
Myles Takahashi wrote to me last month. He formerly resided on Kamanuwai Lane, which is about where Maunakea Street is, mauka of Beretania Street. Read more
There are often news stories about Edward, the Prince of Wales, who gave up the British throne for Wallis Simpson, the woman he loved. Read more
“Back in the 1950s many families, including mine, had beautiful rattan furniture,” Jo Anne Yamamoto told me. What is their history? Read more
Last month I wrote about John Wayne owning The Forbidden City, originally on the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue. Read more
It’s time to open my mailbag and reply to questions from readers about local restaurants. Read more
This week is the 75th anniversary of V-J Day — Victory over Japan Day. In this, my 10th and last article in this series on the end of World War II, I look at some remarkable island people who were aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay that day to witness history in the making. Read more